One of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s education bills was sent to a Louisiana House-Senate negotiating committee Thursday morning to work out differences over one issue.
The legislation is House Bill 969, which has been passed in slightly difference versions by the House and Senate.
It would allow individuals and firms to make donations to help finance tuition for low-income students who attend private schools.
Donors would then qualify for rebates.
However, the Senate on Wednesday added an amendment that would cap the rebates at $300 million per year.
State Rep. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge and sponsor of the bill, asked the House to send the bill to a conference panel because he opposes a cap.
Talbot said he does not want such a limit to hinder a successful program.
Backers of the cap said $300 million per year would be an ample amount.
The House backed Talbot’s request for negotiations on the issue 63-32.
Any compromise has to then be approved by the House and Senate.
